On this day, the Boston Celtics celebrate the birthdays of two notable former players: Walter Lee McCarty and Andrew DeClercq. McCarty, born in 1974 in Evansville, Indiana, made a significant impact during his eight seasons with the Celtics after joining the team in 1997. Originally selected 19th overall in the 1996 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, McCarty played 35 games in New York before being traded to Boston. During his time with the Celtics, he averaged 5.7 points and 2.8 rebounds per game and later returned as an assistant coach from 2013 to 2018.
DeClercq, who was born in 1973 in Detroit, Michigan, also spent time with the Celtics after being drafted 34th overall by the Golden State Warriors in 1995. He played for the Celtics from 1997 for two seasons, averaging 5.4 points and 4.8 rebounds.
In addition to honoring these players, this date is remembered for the anniversary of notable events in Celtics history. On February 1, the team traded forward Fred Saunders to the New Orleans Jazz, and on this day, they waived center Greg Kite, who was part of the team for five seasons.
The memory of former Celtics players extends beyond birthdays, as this day also marks the anniversary of the passing of Ward B. “Hoot” Gibson Jr. in a tragic car accident in 1958. Gibson, who joined the Celtics after playing for the Tri-Cities Blackhawks and Denver Nuggets, left a legacy despite his short career, averaging 3.5 points per game.
Additionally, this date is significant as it marks the debut of Dermie O’Connell in 1949, alongside celebrated Holy Cross alum George Kaftan, who scored 10 points in his first game with the Celtics.
In celebrating these milestones, the Celtics reflect on their rich history and the contributions of both past and present players, showcasing the team’s commitment to honoring their legacy.